FAQ

Below you will find our patient frequently asked questions (FAQ). Choose any of them and you’ll reveal the corresponding answer.

Is abortion a safe procedure?

Abortion is the most common outpatient surgical procedure in the country. The Abortion Surveillance Branch of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains that induced abortion is safer than childbirth and that the serious complication rate is less than one percent. The doctor will discuss with you all the risks and possible complications.

Will having an abortion prevent me from having children in the future?

There is no evidence of childbearing problems among women who have had an abortion early in their pregnancy. Of course, as with any outpatient surgery, part of the long-term effect is in your hands. Taking all your medications, following instructions, and returning for your follow-up examination will reduce your chance of long-term side effects. If you are concerned about this risk, do not hesitate to ask your provider about it and they will be able to answer your questions more specifically.

Is abortion painful?

Every person responds to and tolerates pain differently. Patients that have had abortions are generally surprised at how well they feel physically after their abortion. When patients leave, they may feel light cramping that can be managed with Tylenol or Motrin. During a non-surgical abortion, patients can experience a more intense level of cramping for a longer period of time but pain relievers and rest can help manage the discomfort. We recommend that you discuss your pain management options with your chosen provider.

Up to how many weeks do you terminate pregnancy?

Our medical group terminates pregnancy up to 24 weeks.

What is a medical abortion?

Medical abortion is a method to terminate pregnancy non-surgically with medication. It is available to women under seven weeks of pregnancy. The medication used is Mifeprex (RU486) and Cytotec tablets.

Can my regular doctor or ob-gyn physician provide the abortion pill?

In order to offer the abortion pill, a doctor needs to meet some basic qualifications. Almost any doctor who provides women’s reproductive health care can meet these qualifications. However, some doctors choose not to offer the abortion pill.

Is medical abortion or surgical abortion better?

Medical and surgical abortions are both safe and effective methods to end a pregnancy. Neither is better than the other. The process involved is different. Some women will prefer one over the other and some women might have medical conditions that would result in her provider recommending one over the other.

What’s the difference between a surgical abortion and a non-surgical abortion?

Surgical abortions are performed using a suction/aspiration method where the cervical muscle is gently dilated (widened) approximately to the diameter of a ballpoint pen and suction is used to remove the pregnancy. A non-surgical abortion is performed by the administration of Mifeprex (RU-486). RU486 is approved by the FDA for non-surgical abortions.

How will I feel emotionally after the abortion?

It has been our experience that the majority of our patients are relieved after the procedure. However, every patient is unique. If a patient is feeling anger, regret or guilt for an extended period of time, she may want to consider professional counseling. We understand that abortion is a difficult decision and we remain sensitive to their feelings. We are grateful that we can offer a safe solution for undesired or problematic pregnancy to a large number of women who supported in their right to choose.

How long will I bleed after surgery?

In most cases the patient experiences bleeding for 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. However, some patients do not experience any bleeding and other patients have spotting or bleeding off and on. It is important that you return for your post-operative evaluation two weeks after your procedure.

Is it dangerous to have an abortion?

The procedure is safe. Fewer risks exist with abortion than childbirth. The physician performing the surgery is highly skilled and specializes in this procedure. In addition you will have the opportunity prior the procedure to discuss all the complications and risks that are involved during the process. Our staff is trained to offer the highest standard of medical care available.

Is everything confidential?

All of our services are completely confidential. Patient information is never released without the signature and authorization of the patient.

When can I have sex again after the surgery?

You should not have sex for two weeks after your procedure. When you return for your two-week check up, the practitioner will advise if you can resume sexual intercourse. We recommend that you abstain from sexual activity for two weeks because following your procedure you are more susceptible to infection and new pregnancy.

Do I have to be awake for the procedure?

Each office offers pain management options. General anesthesia is always available and will put the patient to sleep for the duration of the procedure. We also offer options such as IV sedation, which puts the patients in a trance-like state and local anesthesia which is a cervical block performed prior to the surgery.

What’s the difference between Local Anesthesia and General Anesthesia?

Local anesthesia is a cervical block performed 10 minutes prior to surgery. Your cervix will be anesthetized but you will be awake during the surgery. General anesthesia is administered intravenously. You are completely asleep during the surgery.

Do I need a pregnancy test before scheduling an appointment?

No. Your pregnancy test can be performed when you arrive for your surgery appointment.

When will I have my next menstrual cycle?

Can I use tampons after the surgery?

You should not use tampons after surgery. Sanitary napkins should be used to decrease the possibility of infection and to monitor the amount you are bleeding.

How is the surgery performed?

The surgery is a simple procedure performed by aspiration (suction). This procedure is referred to as a D&C (Dilation and Curettage) and is chosen method to empty the contents of the uterus. The method takes about 2 to 5 minutes. If you are over 14 weeks pregnant, you will first have your uterus dilated with a sterile product made specifically for cervical dilation called Laminaria. You will return for the actual surgery on the second day. This procedure is referred to as D&E (Dilation and Evacuation). In some cases, a patient will require two consecutive days of dilation and will return for the surgery on the third day. The dilation procedure takes just a few minutes and you will be in the clinic for approximately 2 hours the day or days that you are dilated.

Why can’t I eat before the surgery?

When general anesthesia is administered, gag reflexes are temporarily suppressed. If food or liquid remain in the stomach, vomiting can occur resulting in asphyxiation.

Will I have any symptoms after the surgery?

Some women experience spotting, staining or bleeding on and off up to three weeks after the procedure, while others have no bleeding at all. You may not bleed for a few days and then begin to have some cramping or bleeding. It is normal to experience some cramping during the next few days after the procedure. However, our physicians will give you instructions to ease and monitor the cramping.

What are the precautions that I have to follow after the procedure?

You may resume your normal activities and normal diet after the procedure. It is recommended that you rest during the day of your procedure. You may eat whatever you like but it is suggested that you begin with soups, toast or other easily digestible foods. Do not drink alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, until you have completed the antibiotics prescribed by the physician. To protect against infection, it is important that nothing goes into your vagina until you have your two-week follow-up appointment. This means: Do not use tampons or Tampax, use only sanitary napkins. No vaginal douching. Do not take bath tub or swim, shower only. No vaginal intercourse.

How will I know that the procedure was successful?

The contents of the uterus are sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis are sent to the doctor within 5 days of the procedure. You are also advised to return to the clinic two weeks after surgery for a postoperative evaluation. During your follow-up appointment your physician will evaluate your needs and assist you with the appropriate birth control method.

How soon can I get an appointment?

Appointments are available for the same day or the following day. There are appointment buttons at the top of this page or you can call 718.875.4848 and speak to a staff member.

How soon can I have an abortion?

In most cases the abortion can be performed as early as the urine pregnancy test shows positive results or at approximately 5 to 6 weeks of your pregnancy.
Make an appointment with us if your period is two weeks late.

Will somebody talk to me before the procedure?

Yes. A trained medical assistant will review your medical history, pre and post operative instructions, and birth control information. Our medical practitioner will perform a physical examination prior to the procedure and will answer any additional questions you may have.

I’m afraid I will not wake up after general anesthesia. Can this happen?

The anesthesia that we offer is safe, effective and short acting. You will be asleep from 5 to 10 minutes depending on the procedure. There is always some degree of risk with any surgery. Serious complications with general anesthesia are very rare in our facility. The most complications occur when a patient has ingested food or liquid within eight hours of surgery. Tell your counselor if you have had prior complications with anesthesia, or if you had anything to eat or drink within eight hours prior to your surgery.

Can I still get pregnant in the future after my abortion?

Yes, there is no evidence that having an abortion has any effect on future pregnancies.

What if I do not get my period soon after the abortion?

In most cases, your menstrual cycle will begin 4-8 weeks after surgery. It is important that you return for your two week post-operative checkup to monitor your recovery. If you do not have a period in eight weeks, please call us.

What if I am Rh Negative?

A blood test performed in our lab will determine your RH factor. If your blood is RH negative, you will be given an injection of MicroRhoGAM following the abortion.

Pregnancy Tool

How many weeks have you been pregnant? On average, there are 28 days in a normal menstrual cycle, but it can last from as little as 22 to as many as 44 days.